CVE-2004-1097 in httpd
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the cherokee_logger_ncsa_write_string function in Cherokee 0.4.17 and earlier, when authenticating via auth_pam, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1097 represents a critical format string flaw within the Cherokee web server software version 0.4.17 and earlier. This security defect manifests specifically within the cherokee_logger_ncsa_write_string function, which is responsible for logging NCSA-style access logs. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when the web server is configured to use PAM-based authentication, as this creates a direct attack vector through the URL parameter handling mechanism. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that gets processed through format string functions without adequate protection against malicious format specifiers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate URL parameters to include format string specifiers such as %s, %d, or other format directives that are processed by the vulnerable logging function. When the web server encounters these malicious inputs during the authentication process, the format string vulnerability allows attackers to either cause the application to crash through stack corruption or potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 category, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where untrusted data is used as format string arguments. The attack can be classified as a remote code execution vector when properly exploited, though in many cases it manifests as a denial of service condition that can be leveraged to disrupt service availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1097 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the web server's execution environment, potentially leading to privilege escalation and persistent access to the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in production environments where the Cherokee web server handles sensitive data or serves critical applications. From an operational security perspective, this flaw represents a significant risk to organizations relying on older versions of the software, as the attack surface is expanded through the authentication mechanism. The vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, covering command and script injection techniques that may be employed in exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates to versions of Cherokee that have patched the format string handling issue. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures at all points where user data enters the system, particularly in URL parameter handling. The use of secure coding practices that prevent direct use of user-supplied data in format string functions should be enforced throughout the codebase. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable web server instances. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other software components. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new issues. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit format string vulnerabilities and monitor for anomalous access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.